"How to" technical speech

“How to” Technical Presentation Speech, 10/27/10

This past Wednesday we all gave a powerpoint presentations on a technical topic. I chose how to drive stick shift. I was really happy because I was able to stand in front of the audience and confidently explain the steps of manual transmission to the audience without getting nervous. I consider this a big victory for me, seeing as improving my confidence and my speaking skills has been one of my major goals in the class. At the beginning of the term, everyone could sense I was nervous and reluctant to be up at the podium. During this presentation, however, I stood up without any nervous shaking with most of my eye contact directed mainly towards the audience instead of the slides or notecards. I’m really excited about the great stride I have made toward my goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the semester. I think I had the right amount of information in my slides, but some of them were a bit text heavy and I could have simplified them by reducing them to a few words per slide. I realize some of the terminology was a bit confusing especially to those who had never driven a manual car before. I definitely enjoyed presenting the material to the audience, and the class could tell I knew what I was talking about. My improved presenting skills are evident as seen in my body language and expressions in the video. Ever since the Impromtu speeches a few weeks ago, I’ve noticed I’ve done a really job of controlling my nerves. I’m obviously looking to continue this trend onto my next speaking opportuntity.